How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good choice to learn driving at a driving school if you are an ex-pat. They will handle all the paperwork and shorten the time required to pass the test.
It could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get your French license (permis de conduire), which is in the form of a pink credit card.
Theory test
The driving theory test, or the code, is the most important step in the French licensing process for drivers. The test covers traffic laws and road safety regulations and you can prepare for it by reading the manual or using mobile apps that are designed to help you master. You may also take a no-cost online test to practice. The test is administered digitally in the testing center with tablets. You must answer correctly 35 questions to pass.
Like in most countries, you can only obtain a French driving licence after passing both the theory and practical tests. However the French driving test is known to be difficult. According to statistics from the last few years, only 59.2 percent of men and 54.4 percent of women passed their theory test on the first try, while the success rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8% for women. For those who suffer from disabilities or health issues might have to take additional tests.
You can take the test at a driving academy, which will organise your lessons and the test for you, or take it as an independent candidate. To do this, you must register for an "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the federal agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve a date for the test.
Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that include live online practice and live classes. These courses can be costly however they also help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach are designed specifically toward English learners, but they can be more expensive than a typical French driving school.
If you hold an active driving license from a member state of the European Union and a residence permit, you may swap your license to a French one. The process can be lengthy, and you must provide a translation by an official translator.
If you don't know French however, you can take the theory test by using an interpreter. You can take the test as many times you like without waiting for a time. The cost of a regular test in theory is EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and a practical test to be qualified to drive in France. You can take both exams at a driving school which will organise the tests and lessons for you or you can take them on your own as an external candidate. If you opt to be an independent candidate, you will need to register for an NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise, d'enregistrement on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam is known as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, covering issues like traffic laws, road safety rules and driving rules. You can download free applications and study guides online or purchase the Code de la Route in the bookshop. It is possible to earn a pass mark with 20 or more points as long as you don't make mistake that could be considered to be a grave error (crossing an established line, driving to the left, not obeying the stop sign, or not following the priority rules).
In the practical test an examiner will test your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions and in your car of choice. The test consists of 25 minutes driving time and will last for approximately two hours. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic knowledge of first aid. The test can be repeated five times over the course of three years.
You can take a tutor with you to the test as an outside candidate. However, they cannot charge more than a single lesson. If you are enrolled in a driving school you are able to bring an instructor along to the test. If you fail the practical test, you are able to repeat it up to five times.
Be aware that the theory and practical tests are both conducted in French, so you'll need an adequate level of proficiency in the language. It is recommended to plan ahead and start learning early, even before you move to France. The test is difficult for non-French-speaking people So you must be fluent when you take it.
Passing the test
There are a few things that new drivers must be aware of prior to taking the test for their French driving license. Before they can drive in France they must pass the theory and practical tests. In addition, they need to be insured for their vehicle in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called a "conduit accompagnee").
The code is the first step. The test is comprised of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The next step is to take the practical exam which is more challenging and requires plenty of practice. The test will test your knowledge of road rules and what to do in the event that you encounter an emergency like a person who is unconscious or badly injured.
After passing the theory and practice test After passing the test, you will receive the certificate d'examen de Permis d de conduire. The document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. This is what you will need to show the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" that will be at the bottom of the document is where it will be noted.
You have to renew your driver's licence every 15 years. This is done by filling in an administrative form and paying a fee. You must also provide proof of your address and identity. You can do this online or in person at your local prefecture. You can check the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
In addition to driving rules It is essential to be aware of the French demerit point system. You can lose your license after an aggravated offense or having too many points. You may also get your license suspended if you have not paid fines or involved in a serious accident.
It is also essential to be aware that France is a country that drives on the right side of the road and that priority is given to traffic coming from the right. Additionally, you must remember that the maximum speed limit on national and departmental roads is 80 km/h. However, the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h for local roads and in cities.
Getting your license
It can be difficult to get a driver's license in France no matter if you've recently passed your French test or are a new expat driver. It is important to be aware of the rules and requirements to get an IDP to avoid being stopped by police or getting into an accident because of invalid driving permits. To avoid any issues, it's recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This little piece of paper can translate your license into multiple languages and is required to be carried when traveling in foreign countries. These are a bargain ($20) and easily obtained at your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these.
The majority of expats can swap their licenses to one that is a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the prefecture's work load. You'll need a proof of identity, two recent passport photos as well as a medical certificate. two self-addressed envelopes.
If you don't have a valid ID or your foreign driving license expires, you'll have to pass a theory and practical test prior to obtaining the full license. Those with disabilities or specific medical conditions may have to take additional tests.
In the event of the second option, a doctor will conduct an exam to determine your driving skills. The test consists of a formal examination and a test drive in a parking lot as well as an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers must carry their driving licence and vehicle registration at all time. French drivers must also carry an insurance policy for their vehicles and cars. Contact your insurance company to ensure that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
The process of getting your license in the country where you have made your new home might be a daunting task however with a bit of preparation and the help of a driving school it will be easy. While you don't require an instructor in driving to obtain your French license, they will make the process easier by handling all the paperwork and scheduling.